Who Should I Start? Troy Franklin or Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Monday, October 27, 9:26 PM

Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin is beginning to build more chemistry with quarterback Bo Nix. Over the last two games, Franklin has seen 18 targets and hauled in nine receptions for 100-plus yards with three touchdowns. The 22-year-old posted a few decent games early in the season, but has really come alive as of late. The two-score effort on Sunday will make Franklin the top waiver priority in plenty of fantasy formats. The six-catch contest in Week 8 was the most for Franklin since Week 2. He has shown an ability to make plays and figures to be a viable flex option going forward.

Tuesday, October 21, 9:11 PM

Las Vegas Raiders rookie wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. has largely been phased out of the team's offense in recent weeks. Thornton Jr. has recorded five catches for 94 yards on 19 targets across seven games this season. However, he has been held without a reception in each of his last four games played. For the time being, Thornton Jr. appears to be firmly behind Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker, and Jack Bech on the wide receiver depth chart in Las Vegas. That could change in the coming weeks, as Meyers has reportedly been seeking a trade away from the 2-5 Raiders. With Meyers (knee, toe) inactive in Week 7 due to injury, Thornton Jr. played a season-high 86% of the team's offensive snaps. Even if Meyers is traded, Thornton Jr. will be tough for fantasy managers to trust given his lack of production so far. Still, he's a name to monitor in deeper leagues if the Raiders deal Meyers at some point before the NFL trade deadline.